Volunteers keep the show rolling along

By JERMAINE JOHNSON
Staff Writer

The Great American Brass Band Festival is a huge event that requires a team of dedicated volunteers to keep it running smoothly.

One of the most important is Jim Rankin. Rankin is part of a group of people who are the backbone of the festival. They perform behind-the-scenes tasks that are necessary for the safety and comfort of the spectators. They start working before the festival begins and finish far after it ends.

Rankin has countless responsibilities during the week.

He coordinates the shuttle service and security with Northpoint Training Center, coordinates cleanups using Northpoint inmates, gets supplies and portable restrooms, helps bands move instruments, and does other things that are needed.

Rankin has volunteered since April of 1990. He was present at the first meeting aimed at planning the festival.

"When I came out of the meeting I thought this wouldn't last three or four years," said Rankin.

Since then the festival has grown into a huge event thanks largely to preparations made by volunteers. The same group of volunteers have worked together for 12 years.

Jerry Boyd, John Albright, Greg Caudill, Tom Tyee, Guy Ingram, David Robertson, and Johnny Ransdell are a few of the men that work with Rankin.

"We wonder if they got our checks written from the first festival," said Rankin jokingly.

Although Rankin does not get paid for his work, he said his payment is watching everybody have a good time. "It's a fantastic event," said Rankin.

Unfortunately, his busy schedule prevents him from listening to the bands.

"I don't really get to sit down and listen to the music. I enjoy Jack Daniels Original Silver Cornett. When they play I try to stop and listen .... then somebody calls," said Rankin.

Working at the festival for all these years has allowed Rankin to see some bizarre things.

He was especially amazed when people began asking him for elephant manure. Apparently, he said, dried elephant manure is good for gardens.

"They changed their minds when they smelled it (undried manure)," said Rankin.

Rankin will be 52 right as the festival begins and said the festival is like "my world's biggest birthday party."

About 130 volunteers work behind the scenes. Another volunteer who keeps the show running is Dale Kihlman. He works at Trim Masters Inc. in Harrodsburg, but his real love is performing on stage.

"Its something I've done for 20 years," said Kihlman. "It keeps me sane."

Kihlman, 54, is a member of West T. Hill Community Theatre, where he performs in at least one play each year. His last play was "A Christmas Story." Six years ago, Kay Berggren, head of tourism, watched Kihlman on stage and recruited him to announce bands in Weisiger Park at the Great American Brass Band Festival. As announcer, he gives the background of each band and recognizes sponsors and contributors to the festival.

Kihlman also enjoys spending time with friends and family at the festival.

"It epitomizes small town America but on a much larger scale. It's a laid-back family-community thing," said Kihlman.

A memorable time for Kihlman was two years ago when Vince DiMartino and Patti Powell got married while the Olympia Brass Band performed. Kihlman also recalls the year a tap dancer from the audience tapped while the bands played.

"Every year has been memorable," said Kihlman. "It's always been fun, even the years with bad weather."